Biography

Rod Wanamaker was the grandson of the founder of the department store chain which bears the family name. He was educated at Haverford School in Pennsylvania, and later studied abroad. Wanamaker was largely responsible for the introduction of the use of helicopters by the New York police force. Serving as an aviation aide, with the title of deputy police commissioner, he convinced Mayor La Guardia of the value of helicopters to the city. Wanamaker had been a pilot in World War I, later ran a flying school for policemen, and in World War II handled a number of assignments as a navy commander. As a polo player he rated a seven-goal handicap and was a member of the Great Neck team which won the National Open Championship in 1921.

Sports Reference LLC and www.sports-reference.com are not
sponsored by or affiliated with the Olympics, the United States Olympic
Committee or the International Olympic Committee. Trademarks featured or
referred to on this website are the property of their respective trademark
holders and not Sports Reference LLC or www.sports-reference.com.